Wasps are sometimes considered the meaner cousin of bees, but that’s not totally true. Most wasp species will leave you alone as long as you also leave them alone. The problem comes when the wasps are in your yard and you aren’t able to give them the space they need. When that happens, you need high-quality pest control in Dallas. Addison Pest offers professional wasp removal and treatment services that will keep your family safe and your yard free of wasps. Call today to learn more.
How To Tell If You Are Dealing With A Wasp Infestation
The name “wasp” refers to many types of stinging insects, including hornets and yellow jackets. These are sometimes confused with bees, but there are a few distinguishing traits you can look for. Wasps tend to have more vivid coloring and a wider range of colors. They also have a thin “waist,” while bees are pretty uniformly round. Wasps have smooth bodies, unlike fuzzy bees, and they have smooth stingers that allow them to sting multiple times.
There are a few types of wasps common in Dallas. The eastern cicada-killer wasp can be over an inch and a half long. They’re typically black and yellow. These wasps got their name because they hunt cicadas to feed their young. Cicada-killer wasps dig tunnels in the ground to make their nests.
Paper wasps are around three-quarters of an inch long. They’re brown with yellow markings. Paper wasps make nests out of a paper-like material that tend to be shaped like umbrellas. These are social wasps, which means that they form colonies with lots of other paper wasps.
Mud dauber wasps are half an inch or longer. They’re black in color, sometimes with lighter markings. These are solitary wasps, which means they don’t form large colonies. Instead, they make mud nests on their own.
The Potential Dangers Of A Wasp Infestation In Your Yard
The biggest risk with wasps is the possibility of being stung. Wasps sting either in self-defense or to paralyze their prey. Fortunately, their venom is not strong enough to have the same effects on humans, but they can still be very painful. And, of course, some people have allergies to wasp venom, which can cause more severe reactions.
Not all wasp species are aggressive. For example, paper wasps will only sting if they feel threatened. But what is more threatening than trying to remove their home? No matter how careful you are, wasp removal can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Even without an allergy, wasp stings are painful.
Some Helpful Wasp Prevention Tips
Because wasp removal can be difficult, it’s helpful to establish practices around your home and yard to prevent wasps from moving in at all. You can do this by:
- Sealing cracks and holes in the walls of your home
- Ensuring that all windows have intact screens
- Keeping food covered when outdoors, including garbage cans
- Installing plants that repel wasps
Cracks in the walls of your home can allow wasps to come inside. Some might even build their nests in the walls. Keep them out of your house by making sure there are no extra entrances. Seal up any holes, make sure windows have intact, fine-mesh screens, and keep doors shut as much as possible.
Wasps are often attracted by food. Many species eat proteins in addition to nectar and fruits, which means that just about anything is fair game. Whether you’re having a picnic or you just have an outdoor garbage can, make sure everything has a tight lid, so wasps don’t feel invited to join.
There are many types of plants that are known to repel wasps. This usually works based on scent, so things like basil, mint, and lemongrass work well. Plus, these can add to the overall appearance of your yard and garden.
Wasp infestations can be difficult to treat on your own. If you’re taking all of these precautions and there are still nests on your property, your best option is to contact a professional pest control team.
The Trick To Total Wasp Control For Your Home And Yard
Addison Pest is the right choice for wasp removal in Dallas. We’re constantly on the lookout for the latest developments in pest control methods so that we can be sure you’re getting the most effective treatments. We also prioritize protecting the environment. If you’re looking for effective wasp control in Dallas, look no further than Addison Pest.